Emergencies Act Revoked
Plus updates on Russia-Ukraine, upcoming constituency event, federal redistricting consultations begin, and more
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revokes the Emergencies Act
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government was revoking the use of the Emergencies Act, a mere 44 hours after he voted to confirm its use including making the vote a matter of confidence to force his backbench to vote for it. This is nine days after he first invoked it. He claimed that “existing laws and bylaws” were sufficient to keep Canadians “safe”, and the situation was no longer an emergency.
These statements came after the Liberal government had spent the past week insisting the Act was necessary, sending out their cabinet ministers with conflicting justifications and plans on how the Act would be used. After a weekend of round the clock debates in Parliament until midnight, the Trudeau government called a hasty press conference Monday before the vote to indicate the vote of Liberal MPs would be whipped by making the use of the Emergencies Act a matter of confidence meaning that an election could have been triggered. Senior Liberal MPs admitted that the federal government had not met the necessary benchmark to invoke the Act, but were forced to toe the line to prevent another federal election. Conservatives stood against the Act’s use from day one and had immediately introduced a motion to revoke it upon the vote’s conclusion, where the NDP had backed the government. While it is a good sign that the use of the Act has come to an end, there now exists a broader problem. When the Liberal and NDP coalition voted to confirm the Act’s continuation on Monday, the protestors had already been made to vacate downtown Ottawa, while the blockades at the Ambassador Bridge, the Coutts border, and Emerson, Manitoba had been resolved before the Emergencies Act was invoked. Nothing had changed from 8:00pm on Monday and the announcement on Wednesday, aside from a flood of concerns from Canadians, disagreement from experts and the Prime Minister’s own party MPs, bad press, and international condemnation. The majority of Canada's Premiers agreed the Act should not have been invoked in the first place. This debacle makes it clear that the Prime Minister’s actions were purely political. He was wrong when he invoked it, he was wrong when he voted to continue it, and he was wrong when he made it a confidence vote.
Per the Act, a public inquiry must now be called within the next 60 days to review the circumstances leading to the use of the Emergencies Act. The role of Parliament now is to convene the Parliamentary Review Committee. Section 62(1) of the Emergencies Act states “the exercise of powers and the performance of duties and functions pursuant to a declaration of emergency shall be reviewed by a committee of both Houses of Parliament designated or established for that purpose.” The committee is sworn to secrecy and is tasked with review all aspects of the government’s orders and actions as it relates to the emergency and it is required to submit a report in Parliament on its findings. Canadians deserve answers as to why this government justified the Act’s use that had a direct impact on their lives. While a victory, the fight does not stop here. Questions still remain on federal pandemic restrictions, and Conservatives will not relent until these restrictions and Canadians can return to a pre-COVID life.
Russia invades Ukraine as international community announce heavy sanctions
After weeks of military buildup and threats, Russian president Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, seeking to topple the country’s government and renew Russia’s status as a global power. Canada, along with its G7 allies and the European Union, have responded with strong sanctions targeting Russian banks, individuals and other major companies. The Conservative Party of Canada stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its people and condemn Putin’s actions in the strongest possible terms. His actions will be judged harshly by history. If you know someone in need of consular assistance in Ukraine, advise them to contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Center immediately by calling 613-996-8885 or emailing at the link below.
Parliamentary Budget Officer releases report detailing a crisis in housing
Canada’s housing crisis continues. A recent report on housing prices by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) found that housing prices have increased from $413,000 in 2015 to $811,700 in 2021, an increase of 97% in just six years. Housing prices in Hamilton, Toronto, Halifax and Ottawa were over 50% above the affordable levels, pricing average, hardworking Canadians out of the housing market. The PBO noted that the central reason for the immense spike in housing prices is that the supply of housing does not keep up with the demand. It has been announced this year by most large banks that mortgage lending rates will rise to dampen the rise in housing prices, this would increase the borrowing cost and decrease the demand for homes. However, if housing prices stay at current levels that will only make purchasing a home even more unaffordable. Conservatives have continuously pressured the government to increase the supply of housing and offer proper solutions to combat housing un-affordability, instead of utilizing failed programs like the First-Time Home Buyer’s Incentive. We will continue fighting to help the average Canadian afford a home.
Copperfield/Mahogany Community Association Family Fun Fest
I welcome all constituents to take part in the Copperfield/Mahogany Community Association’s Family Fun Fest today from 3pm-5pm at the Copperfield Community Hall. It will be an afternoon featuring fun, family-friendly activities for all to take part and supported by local businesses in the riding. I will be there during that time and will be happy to hear your concerns and feedback.
Federal redistricting process begins
The Constitution of Canada requires a federal redistribution of federal ridings every 10 years. The Chief Electoral Officer is tasked with establishing an independent commission in each province and will formally apply the representation formula in the Constitution to determine the new allocation of seats. On February 14, the Alberta commission commenced its work and will revise the boundaries of the province’s federal electoral districts to include the three new seats Alberta received thanks to the reforms passed by the Harper government in 2012. Alberta will be receiving the largest number of seats of any province during this redistribution. Part of this process involves a public consultation, where the Commission will hear the views of all Albertans on the subject. If you wish to make your views heard, send your thoughts via email here: AB@redecoupage-federal-redistribution.ca. If you wish to send something by mail, their address is as follows:
Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Alberta
PO Box 45062
Calgary, AB, T2G 4X3
Spotlight in Calgary Shepard
Each month, I am going to shine a spotlight on exceptional individuals, small businesses, charities, and more so we can thank them for their service to the community. This month, I would like to nominate Melissa David and Parachutes for Pets.
Parachutes for Pets is a non-profit charity that aims to help keep people with their pets. They have several programs, such as a Pet Pantry (food bank for pet supplies), Homeless Pet Packs, assistance for domestic violence cases with pets, vet care for low income/seniors, assistance for keeping foster kids with their pets, pet grooming (low income), vaccine and wellness clinics, and more! Last year, they were able to assist over 241 pets with veterinary care, 71 Lily's Legacy program participants (keeping foster kids with their pets), 476 domestic violence cases with pets, 1029 homeless pet packs, and 10783 pet food hampers provided. They are a credit to the riding.
If you know someone who goes above and beyond for others, we want to celebrate them. If you know a hard-working small business owner, let us know so we can cheer them on. Anyone who makes Calgary Shepard a better place, we want to thank them.
Conservative MPs and Senators have disgraced themselves, their party and the Canadian Government with their support of the right wing, racist, white supremest mob who tried to force their minority beliefs on the rest of the populace. I will never again vote for a member of this party.